Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-07-30
TIE Party PLATFORM.

betier tFoEs HOB. john ". BarOOIr.
To the Editor Of the Dispatch: -,
] had the opportunity a few days
since of reading (conidentially) the let
ter of very intelligent gentleman of
Accomack to Mr.. Barbour, and Mr.
BaIbours response thereto. Although
the letter obviously shows that it was
not written for publication, l regarded
it as so wise and so opportune that after
much solicitation | was permitted to
lake a copy for the press.
Is would have been gratifyingto have
published also, and at the same time, the
letter to which the subjoined is reply !;
but it was thought that this would be
taking too much liberty with private
correspondence, and there was not
available time to secure the CORE
spondent's permission to publish it
and have Mr.. Barbour's letter before
the public at most but few days before
the meeting of the State convention
ALEXANDRIA, Va, July %, 1887.
-, Esq, PungOteaguc, "a:
Dear Sir,-Your very able and sug-
Pestive letter of the 18th, relative to the
political situation in Virginia, and
especially presenting your views in re-
gard to the question of the State debt,
Las been duly received and read with
much interest. an very much obliged
for the personal reference to myself,
and only wish that | were more compe-
tent TO measure up to the requirements
of the occasion.
| have given the subject of the State
debt a good deal of thought, and, as at
present advised, do not see that the
Democratic party of Virginia can afford
to change the position assumed in 1888
to abide by the Riddleberger settle
ment. The people of Virginia have ap-
provedof this platform, as annunciated
IN the creed of both parties. do not
think, therefore, it would be safe to de-
part from this position.
The assistance of the Federal Gov
ernment-to which you refer as the
idea of Henry A. Wise first, and after
wards presented in a general way by
Mr.. Blaine-is very well worthy of CON
and might be introduced at
our convention as supplementary to the
declaration to stand by the RiddIeber-
ger settlement.
There was resolution of this sort in
troduced and adopted in the House of
Delegates at the extra session of the
Legislature just before its adjournment,
which You may have noticed.
While Congress probably cannot be
induced to commit the Federal Govern
ment to pay directly the obligations of
a State, it is believed that q proposition
to appropriate an amount of the public
lands equivalent in area to the terrific
~ which was taken from Virginia in
the dismemb0rment of the State might
be passed. At least strong equities
could be urged in its behalf and a good
case presented to the national legisla-
ture. If this can be accomplished a
land fund would be realized which
would fully pay our State debt and
probably leave us a surplus for educa-
tional purposes.
i do not see that we are so helpless
as regards maintaining our position.
If the people will only have the pa
triotism to pay their taxes in money
and not in coupons we will have but
little further trouble. This course on
the part of the people had been pretty
well assured until the Republicans in
the cities and counties undertook the
payment IN coupons and excited the
cupidity of some of our Democratic
friends to do the same thing. OF course
their object was to make party capital.
The Republicans, except in a few
localities, represent very little property
of the State, and their payment OF
taxes in coupons will not amount to
much if the Democrats will only stand
firm. Until that object can be effected
/ do not see what is left except to bring
public opinion TO bear upon those who
are seeking to take advantage of the
rest of the community in the payment
of taxes. Certainly q few moneyed
men in the cities ought not to be allow
ed to adopt any line of policy which
will increase taxation in the State and
usurp the power which the regular &C.
credited representatives of the people
in the Legislature would not dare ex-
ercise.
But, my dear sir, this debt question,
important as it is, ought not to be eve
rything in Virginia. Is your section
of the State willing TO see the Malone
dynasty restored to power. with all the
evils in its train which past experience
has exhibited? Do the Democrats of
Accomack wish to see the congression-
al districts reapportioned in the inte-
rest of the Republican party, the judi
cial circuits rearranged, a new lot of
circuit and county judges appointed,
the school boards vacated and filed
with party hacks, and the whole ma
chinery Of our elections, State and
Federal. controlled by such agencies
IN the hands of our political adverse
RES?
l have too much confidence in the
Virginia people to expect any such re-
suit.
OF course have written you the
above purely as personal letter and
in reply to your favor. / shall be hap
py to hear from you at any time, and